What Peels Are Safe for African-American Skin?

Our treatments use combination therapy to improve the epidermis and dermis. We see atrophic and hypertrophic scars, as well as scars that have hypo and hyperpigmentation. Our main concern is rebuilding collagen and that is why we use a HIDEF protocol that includes combination therapy. Morpheus 8, scar subcision, fibrous release, fractional laser, CO2 laser, Thulium laser, PDL Vbeam laser, and fractional resurfacing can be used in addition to TCA Cross and chemical peels to further improve skin. Patients should start Melarase AM and Melarase PM for active hyperpigmentation. Always begin with a consultation to discuss the best treatment options for your type of skin. .

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

The safety and efficacy of any chemical peel is dependent upon preparation, depth, post care and the experience of the clinician administering the peel.  When treating African-American skin and other ethnic skin types, prepping the skin for a chemical peel is a necessity.We routinely administer the Obagi Blue Peel ( a TCA peel)  on ethnic skin, but our patients must prep at least 4 weeks prior to the peel, are educated extensively on how to care for their skin post peel and encouraged to adhere to their prescribed skin care regimen to obtain optimal results. Now, every peel is not for everybody, but your clinician(after a thorough consultation) will be able to determine what peels are most suitable for your skin type. 

Peels come in all strengths and types. Yes, there are many peels that can be done on African-American skin types. It is important to first have your skin assessed by a medical professional, especially with your skin colour. Some side effects of receiving an incorrect treatment may be permanent. Glycolic and Lactic Peels generally don’t cause peeling and are great to start with. These peels will help improve skin tone, texture, pore size, oil production etc. In some cases stronger peels such as Salicylic acid and Resorcinol can safely be performed as well. Companies distributing these peels will all have different protocols regarding their individual peels so it’s important to receive a consultation prior to any treatment.

It takes care, expertise and experience to achieve outstanding results with the resurfacing of skin of color. There are a variety of techniques that are effective in the treatment of dark skin. A mainstay is a good daily skincare regimen. This may include glycolic acids, topical antioxidants and hydroquinone, a lightening cream. This foundation of daily skin care prepares the skin for resurfacing techniques and assures results that are free of complications such as blotchiness of the skin. Once the skin is properly pre-conditioned, certain TCA peel solutions are successful and we have found that our patients have been very pleased with the Artisan laser, a technologically more precise laser method that we prefer over peeling techniques. 

Thank you for your message! Chemical peels need to be used with caution on darker skin tones as to avoid hyperpigmentation. We usually require a skin preparation using a pigmentation cream prior to chemical peels with darker skin, to help avoid this risk. Usually the first time you do a peel you will want to have one that is very gentle and then you can work your way up from there as tolerated. We usually recommend starting with a VI peel which is generally more safe with darker skin tones! I would definitely recommend a consultation with a provider in your area for further assessment!